The Great Chicago Fire Festival takes place annually around October and ignites the downtown riverfront with activity. The daylong event celebrates Chicago’s strength and rebirth following the 1871 Chicago fire. The neighborhoods and citizens of Chicago are also honored in the event. Thousands of residents and visitors experience the sights and fun which stretched along the Chicago’s Riverwalk from State Street to Columbus Drive.
The festivities begin with a neighborhood bazaar, featuring artisans from 15 Chicago Fire Festival Communities selling goods, crafts and food. Many of Chicago’s infamous food trucks are also in attendance, serving up plenty of local favorites. Later in the evening the AMA Plaza comes to life with a full-blown dance crew battle while Pioneer Court featured music and spoken word performances. The focal point of the event is the three historically inspired homes moored in the Chicago River. After nightfall the event turns into a fiery spectacle, which symbolizes the events of the Great Chicago Fire. In the past, Chicago Fire TV stars Jesse Spencer & Taylor Kinney lowered a flaming cauldron from the Michigan Avenue bridge. Steamships and kayaks with flaming buoys then ignites the three houses along the river. The event culminates in a fantastic firework display, which lights the city’s skyline.
This inaugural event has its fare share of weather challenges & electrical issues but will surely be another great Chicago event in years to come. To check out photos & videos of the amazing fabrication process visits Redmoon’s webpage.
